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The bad news about wiper fluid is that it’s typically made of ethanol or methanol, which are poisonous for people and animals and can be damaging to the environment. Windshield Washer Fluid Works Better But Comes at a Priceįluids formulated specifically for cleaning windshields generally do a better job of cleaning than just water and usually won’t freeze until 20 degrees below zero or colder. So even if you live in a very warm climate, keep in mind those trips to Grandma’s in Minneapolis you don’t want to get stuck in a snowstorm without the ability to clean your windshield because you didn’t want to stop at the store to pick some washer fluid.
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Its main drawbacks are its lack of cleaning solvents and detergents and that it freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, rendering the windshield-washing system on your vehicle useless during cold weather. The main benefits of water are that it’s cheaper than windshield washer fluid and more compatible with the environment. The ingredients in washer fluid work together to give you a clean, streak-free windshield no matter how cold it is outside. Many also contain small amounts of ethanol or antifreeze made from methylated spirits to keep the product from freezing during the winter months. Most products are made of methanol and other alcohols like ethylene glycol. Windshield washer fluid contains ingredients that are meant to clean up those stubborn messes. If you live in a place where the temperature never gets down to freezing, you might be able to get by with plain water - but even then, water doesn’t have the cleaning power of specialized cleaning fluid for removing bugs, bird droppings, road grime and other crud that collects on windshields. Related: More Maintenance Coverage Windshield Washer Fluid Versus Plain Water Is plain water an acceptable substitute for windshield washer fluid, though? Water is readily available almost anywhere, and topping off your reservoir with it would save you from needing to make a trip to the store. CARS.COM - If you have ever run out of windshield washer fluid when you didn’t have any more on hand, you may have wondered whether you really need special fluid or if you could just use plain water instead.
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